Nagaland ULB polls: Lack of parking space, water scarcity key issues in Kohima

Northeast Live spoke to some people in Kohima who shared some of the issues they wish the elected representatives should address.

Nagaland is gearing up to go for the Urban Local bodies election slated on June 26 and history will be made as women candidates will be contesting for the first in the ULB under 33% reservation. It is indeed a significant change when we talk about women being a part of the policy decision making body, which was initially objected by many organizations.

Northeast Live spoke to some people in Kohima who shared some of the issues they wish the elected representatives should address.

One major concern shared by the four wheeler and two wheeler taxi drivers were the issue of parking facility in Kohima and the traffic congestion, which they said it needs to be addressed.

Sharing his thoughts one of the taxi drivers said, “The ULB elections are very important for us. We want that there must be a good road. There is lack of a bathroom here, nearby our parking our area. There is lack of space too. Whoever will help us, we will support them.”

A local in Kohima said, “There is lack of proper parking facility. There is water problem too. People are facing severe distress as there is no water in the colonies. Whoever is elected they must urgently look into these issues.”

Another local said, “We are facing problems due to parking spaces. It will be good if the leaders look into this issue.”

A woman vegetable vendor shared her views on women contesting in the ULB polls and said, “Every time we support the menfolk in the elections but this time women are also contesting and we should take this opportunity to support our women candidates and make them win.”

She also said that whoever gets elected should sincerely address issues of the general public in every ward and they should only work for the welfare of the citizens.

This is the first time that the municipal elections will have 33% reservation for women. Of the 418 wards in the Municipality and Town Councils, 142 will be reserved for women.

Polls will be held for three municipal councils and 36 town councils.

The civic body polls, which was conducted last in 2004 without reservations, remained stalled due to opposition by organisations representing Naga tribes against the 33 per cent reservations for women.

Read also: Nagaland ULB Polls on Jun 26: So far 8 women announce candidature

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